Take a peek at preschooler's day

What do you see when you walk into a preschool classroom? At any given moment, it can seem quiet or loud, calm or chaotic. In a preschooler's day, it is often all of these and more. In a quality preschool classroom, there is a method to the madness. There is order even in the chaos.

Each part of a preschooler's day helps to teach about routines and transitions. From the first hello to the last goodbye, children are learning through their daily schedule and experiences at preschool.

Let's take a look at the typical parts of a preschooler's day.

Morning arrival: Long before a child arrives at preschool, the transition from home to school has been in motion. Young children may have been up for several hours before coming to school. They also may have just rolled out of bed. They may have had a good night's sleep, or been awoken by a bad dream. They may have had a hearty breakfast or hardly had a bite to eat. These are examples of important information to share with a child's teacher as they begin their day at preschool. They help the teacher to gauge how a child is doing and how to support him or her through the first few minutes of the day.

Morning arrival is also practice in separation. Some children separate easily from a parent or caregiver from the first day of school. Other children keep working on separation for many weeks. Simple, consistent routines work best for most children: Go to your cubby, put away your coat and backpack, read one short book or give three kisses to Mommy, and say "See you later alligator! Have a great day!"

Circle time: Once or twice a day, preschoolers gather for a circle. This is an opportunity to learn turn-taking skills, practice self-regulation and share exciting information. Circle time often provides a plan for the day, such as what activities will be offered. Appropriate circle times in the beginning of the school year should be no longer than a child's expected attention span for his or her age (on average, 10 minutes).

Mealtime: Mealtime at preschool can be snack time or lunch time. Mealtime is an opportunity to introduce healthy foods and simple table manners. Skills in independence (pouring one's own juice, cleaning up one's place) and shared conversations are important. Conversations help children to get to know one another, discover similar interests and rehearse memories of shared experiences (such as a field trip or morning adventure on the playground.) Mealtimes also offer practice in sequencing and steps (wash hands, get cup and napkin, sit down, ask for items to be passed, eat, clean up.)

Open choice activities: Open choice activities are the heart of planning a curriculum for preschoolers. Each activity provides a variety of learning opportunities. Learning to make choices is also an important skill. Typical open choice activity areas include art, blocks, dramatic play, sensory and texture tables, puzzles or manipulatives (such as Legos) and a fine motor table.

Outdoor play: Outdoor play is essential for healthy growth and development. Fresh air and exploration of the natural world helps to develop a sense of curiosity and wonder. Fresh air and active play develop a child's strength, coordination and ease of movement in different types of spaces. For example, how we move indoors in a classroom with furniture and less space is different than moving outdoors on grass or climbing structures. Active movement each day creates healthy habits and healthy bodies.

Rest time: If a preschool child is in a full-day program, rest time will be part of their day. Many children complain about or resist rest time. Yet most preschoolers need some downtime in the midst of an active day. Resting their bodies quietly is another way children learn self-regulation skills. Familiar comfort items are important for many children; these may include a favorite blanket, pillow or stuffed animal. A story tape followed by quiet music provides consistent background sounds that settle the body for rest.

Heading home: The transition from school to home is perhaps the most important one of the day. It completes the circle of trust among parent, child and teacher. A warm goodbye makes for an easier hello and start of the next school day.

I hope you have enjoyed this snapshot of a day in the life of a preschooler in an early childhood classroom.

Julie A. Riess, Ph.D., is director of Wimpfheimer Nursery School at Vassar College. Contact her at juriess@vassar.edu